I love my getaway...so stable, fast (yes, fast enough to pitchpole which i did last weekend) so roomy and comfortable...my Getaway is on the beach next to an older 16..that owned sailed my getaway last weekend and is now trying to sell his 16 and buy a getaway.......

You'll love the Getaway. This is Hobie's most versatile boat. Comfortable yet fast, very forgiving (no more pitch-polling as with the 16, unless you really push against the limits).

The wings are great to get a little dryer or simply rest your back. Kids love the front mesh. And the huge buoyancy means that you can invite the whole family for leisurely sunset cruises. I've had 7 people on board with wine and munchies; my old 16 would have sunk!

The main difference between the Getaway and the glass boats is what they are designed for. The glass boats are designed to go fast and be raced. There are more sail and rigging features on them.

Even though you can load people up on th 16 and the 18 there is usually a marked performance difference on them when you do. The Getaway is designed to handle more weight and perform consistantly with different weights on board.

The Getaway, I think, is easier to maintain and can take more of a beating before it needs a repair. The glass boats are much cheaper if you buy used and are not looking at racing. They are also lighter (at least the 16 and 17 are) than the Getaway which makes them easier to drag around the beach.

It really depends on what your mission and budget are. If you can, find somewhere to rent at Getaway or someone to take you out on thiers. Then, you will know what you are comparing first hand.